The Quesnel RCMP detachment is celebrating members who are involved in the community for 2022’s National Police Week.
“We have police officers who move to Quesnel from all parts of Canada,” Sgt. Clay Kronebusch said.
“They work and live in Quesnel, make this their home and become part of the community they live in. Our police officers dedicate countless hours, both on and off duty, helping out with various social events, charity events and helping coach and organize youth sports. We truly care for the community we live in.”
A mainstay on the sidelines has been Const. Josh Nutley who has coached football, baseball and basketball at Correlieu. He has also held fundraisers to support sports in Quesnel.
Nutley said he joined the RCMP to help smaller communities, and when he saw an advertisement that the basketball team needed coaching he jumped at the opportunity.
“I coached that year and fell in love with coaching and giving back,” he said.
“I find there is no greater feeling than to be able to help kids learn a sport and develop their skills. I feel the life lessons and teamwork that sports bring to youth, along with a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves, can not be underestimated. Sports teach us how to win and lose, how to work with others, how to take constructive criticism and many other life skills.”
It’s a little different for Cpl. Matt Isaak as he only started coaching soccer this year.
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“I’m having a blast,” he said. “I believe forming strong connections with the youth in our community is important and I’m proud to be involved in that.”
Const. Josh Clark said that his journey in volunteering started young when he began coaching soccer at 17-years-old. Clark also participated in the bike ride for cancer last year.
“Soccer has been a huge part of my life ever since I was a kid and it has provided me incredible opportunities and memories,” he said.
“I owe a large part of who I am today to the sport and most of that is because of the amazing coaches I’ve had along the way. I’ve always loved the ability to pass that feeling onto others.”
Clark helps coach U11-13 and U14-18 teams in Quesnel and helps out with the younger teams on occasion.
“The kids are our future and it’s crucial that they have a positive experience on top of learning new skills and building friendships with others. I love what the community of Quesnel has available for its youth soccer programs and I love being able to be a part of that,” he said.
Nutley added that it’s important for police to interact with the public outside of working hours.
“I feel that community members and their youth need to know that the police are not big mean bad guys that just give out tickets and arrest people but are individuals that genuinely care about them and wish the best for them and their futures,” he said.
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